Beverage machine and capsule for use with the beverage machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beverage machines and capsules are not suitable for preparing single servings of mixed beverages, such as cocktails or juices, as they fail to achieve the desired quality, flavor, and consistency.
Innovation Solution
A beverage machine and capsule system that includes a capsule with a reservoir for holding liquid ingredients, a guide member to direct a liquid stream for mixing, and a dispensing mechanism to prepare a single serving of a mixed beverage, using an injection needle to inject liquid into the capsule and a dispensing needle to dispense the mixed beverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional beverage machines use a simple chamber structure with filter and liquid reservoir, then the device complexity is low, but the beverage quality and mixing consistency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is divided into multiple functional zones: a first chamber for holding liquid ingredients, a second chamber for receiving the prepared beverage, and a guide member with channel to direct liquid flow. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, improving mixing consistency and beverage quality while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the capsule are designed with different properties: the guide member includes a channel with specific geometry to control liquid flow patterns, the first chamber has optimized volume and shape for ingredient storage, and the second chamber is designed for efficient beverage dispensing. This local optimization of structural properties enhances overall beverage preparation quality without requiring complete redesign of the entire capsule.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional machines inject liquid directly into the beverage chamber, then the device complexity is low, but the mixing effectiveness and beverage consistency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member acts as an intermediary component between the liquid injection point and the beverage chamber. It includes a channel that receives the injected liquid and directs it through a controlled path to the mixing zone, ensuring proper liquid distribution and mixing effectiveness. This intermediary structure improves beverage consistency while adding only moderate complexity to the liquid delivery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member channel is positioned at an offset from the injection needle, creating a spatial arrangement where liquid flows through a three-dimensional path rather than directly into the chamber. This dimensional arrangement allows for better liquid distribution and mixing by utilizing spatial geometry to control flow patterns, improving beverage consistency without requiring complex mechanical mixing mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional capsules use simple geometric shapes, then the ease of manufacture is high, but the nesting capability and space efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is designed with a generally spherical shape and includes features that enable one capsule to be nested within another capsule. The open shell configuration and dimensional proportions allow for efficient stacking and storage of multiple capsules, improving space efficiency and versatility while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of basic spherical geometry and standard molding techniques.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the preparation of high-quality, consistent single servings of mixed beverages by effectively mixing liquids and ingredients within the capsule, ensuring optimal flavor and aesthetic presentation.
Implementation Method 1
a guide member disposed within the reservoir of the open shell configured to receive a liquid stream injected by an injection needle of a beverage machine and to guide the liquid stream to a mixing zone within the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
The dry crystallized ingredients within the first chamber capsule dissolve in the liquid stream and the liquid stream is filtered as the liquid stream flows into the second chamber
Implementation Method 3
the liquid stream is filtered as the liquid stream flows into the second chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a beverage machine for preparing a single serving of a mixed beverage and a capsule for use with the machine. The capsule includes an open shell defining a reservoir for holding ingredients; a lid for sealing the open shell; and, a guide member disposed within the reservoir of the open shell configured to receive a liquid stream injected by an injection needle of a beverage machine when the lid is pierced by the injection needle and to guide the liquid stream to a mixing zone within the reservoir for mixing the liquid stream with the liquid held in the reservoir to prepare a single serving of mixed beverage to be dispensed from the reservoir via a dispensing needle of the beverage machine when the dispensing needle pierces the open shell . . . .